PROSPECTUS
Devizes School & Sixth Form College are proud to be part of The White Horse Federation Multi-Academy Trust
Welcome to The White Horse Federation
We are incredibly proud of our schools and colleagues that form our Trust It is an honour to have such a diversity of settings serving children aged 2 to 19
Every day, across our Trust, colleagues are inspiring the lives of children and families who live in the communities that we serve We are humbled to be at the heart of our communities in Wiltshire, Oxfordshire and Berkshire, as trusted partners, offering an education and experiences that support all children and their families
We are a family of over 30 schools and settings, connected and working together to inspire the lives of children with opportunity and choice Collectively seeking to support and enable children to thrive in their lives, now and into adulthood We also seek to inspire the lives of all colleagues across the Trust, with opportunity and connection, so that they are empowered to inspire each other, as well as our children
The White Horse Federation is a human organisation, based on building strong relationships, as a foundation for colleagues to reach high standards and uphold high expectations of what children can achieve A Trust that seeks to develop character and high academic standards to enable children to have more opportunities, more choice and greater agency in their lives
As a team of colleagues, a Trust and a group of schools we are deeply committed to the children who have the least and who need us the most We seek to offer high-quality education and to apply the equity required, so that we meet the needs of every child, increasing their life chances
2 - Proud to be part of The White Horse Federation Dr Dan Nicholls | CEO
COURAGE PRIDE RESILIENCE
WE HAVE COURAGE TO ALWAYS TRY AND DO THE RIGHT THING, EVEN WHEN IT IS DIFFICULT TO DO SO
WE HAVE PRIDE IN OURSELVES, EACH OTHER, AND OUR SCHOOL
WE HAVE THE RESILIENCE TO NEVER GIVE UP AND ALWAYS BOUNCE BACK
We do this with the spirit of kindness, trust, and cheerfulness.
These three values resonate through much of our school life In our curriculum, our support programmes and our reward system Where our students display our values, we want to celebrate it!
We also firmly believe in the importance of character education Student learning is much more than just academic studies - it encompasses what it means to show respect and be intentionally kind
We look to not just tell our students how to behave, but to teach them how to correctly engage with others in all situations. Our warm but firm approach to school life builds a student’s interpersonal skills, and we are constantly told by visitors how polite, respectful and engaging our young people are
This is all based on:
SPEAKING TO STAFF WITH RESPECT IN A WARM, WELCOMING AND FRIENDLY STYLE
GIVING OUR TEACHERS 100% OF OUR FOCUSED ATTENTION WHEN SPEAKING.
DEVELOPING OUR LANGUAGE SKILLS TO COMMUNICATE EFFECTIVELY WITH THOSE AROUND US.
“DEVIZES SCHOOL HAS GIVEN ME AMAZING OPPORTUNITIES AND EXPERIENCES. THEY CONTINUALLY IMPROVE ALL WHO ATTEND.”
4 - Proud to be part of The White Horse Federation
“TEACHERS ARE ALWAYS WILLING TO GO ABOVE AND BEYOND TO HELP STUDENTS. FURTHERMORE,
THE STUDENT COMMUNITY
IS
FULL OF
LOTS
OF
KIND-HEARTED INDIVIDUALS WHO ARE ALWAYS HAPPY TO CHAT. AT DEVIZES SCHOOL, EVERYONE IS WELCOME.”
OUR CURRICULUM
WE AIM TO PROVIDE OUR STUDENTS WITH THE VERY BEST STANDARDS OF EDUCATION.
We recognise that to do this we must aim to meet the individual needs of our varied school community, with a balance of the academic and vocational courses designed to prepare them for the modern working world
Our ever-improving results come from a curriculum that is carefully designed to build on the experiences, skills and knowledge students gain each year Broad and balanced, it ensures all learners are stretched and supported to make accelerated progress, and provides the prospect of pursuing individual interests further.
KEY STAGE 3
In Key Stage 3 (years 7-9) students study a full range of subjects-taught in both ability-based groups and mixed sets-to give them a comprehensive experience of topics and collaborative opportunities From core subjects of English, Maths, Science, Geography & History to varied subjects in both our ‘Creative & Performing Arts’ and ‘Technology, Enterprise & Design’ faculties - Devizes students receive a fantastic package of learning opportunities.
READING AND LITERACY
We recognise the importance that reading fluency has on supporting young people’s success At Devizes school our student’s reading ages are regularly monitored to ensure all students can access the curriculum and fulfil their potential
Where needed, additional support is in place to ensure all students develop strong literacy skills. Every lesson looks to provide opportunities for engaging with challenging texts that support this.
KEY STAGE 4
The key stage 4 curriculum (years 10-11) allows students choice across a wide range of over twenty academic and vocational courses. This ensures students follow a curriculum that is relevant, personalised and exciting for each individual. A strong core offer of English, Maths, Science & PSHE ensures that key literacy and numeracy skills are developed to prepare all students for adult life
A truly great school experience goes beyond the classroom and timetabled lessons. It is when a student can truly say they were a part of a community and enjoyed the benefit of such a wide range of opportunities
At Devizes school, we provide many opportunities for enrichment and extracurricular involvement From a wide range of sports clubs and subject based activities to school concerts and performances, from reward events and trips around the UK and abroad, we want to make the most of every moment available, and grant our students experiences that will stay with them for a lifetime.
Our careers education package helps students gain insights from both local and national employers, understanding crucial skills needed for their future role in the workplace Educational visits enrich our curriculum further, and allow students to see the application of their lessons in the world outside the classroom
Being a part of a community also means feeling valued, supported and involved Devizes students gain this from being involved with our student leadership programme and evolving school council, or benefit from our wonderful team of pastoral support staff when life’s challenges require a care-driven, solution-focused response
We make sure to come together at moments in our academic year, such as our remembrance service and well-being events to show that we can stand in solidarity and support one another in preserving a healthy balance in how we approach the challenges of secondary school
It’s because we aim to live out the message that Devizes school is a family, who always support one another.
“THE CARE AND SUPPORT DEVIZES STAFF HAVE GIVEN MY SONS HAS BEEN OUTSTANDING, NOT ONLY DEVELOPING THEIR LOVE OF LEARNING BUT OFFERING OPPORTUNITIES TO LEAD AND PARTICIPATE IN SCHOOL LIFE.”
STUDYING FURTHER WITH DEVIZES SCHOOL
Providing for our student’s next steps post-16, our Sixth Form equips young adults with all the skills necessary to take on the world.
Our sixth form is well known for having excellent academic standards, with fantastic facilities, a friendly welcoming ethos, and strong final destinations including Russell Group Universities
We are committed to providing innovative learning and teaching to prepare you for life and future careers The sixth form is very popular choice with students as the place to learn successfully. With a satellite centre at Lavington even more young people benefit from the strong and successful education that Devizes sixth form offers We provide an extensive range of courses for students to select their own learning package plus many activities and opportunities to make up their unique sixth form experience
Our sixth form is a hive of creativity, warmth and individuality When you take a walk around the sixth form you will see the personality of our sixth formers bursting through. The sixth form centre offers first rate study facilities and a supportive environment for students to thrive through their final steps of life as a Devizes student.
Students have access to a broad choice of courses, which means that whatever their pathway for the future, there will be subjects which can help them on their journey They will be encouraged and guided to graduate as inspired, well-rounded young people with the qualifications to make their aspirations a reality.
“DEVIZES IS NOT
OUR LOCAL
SCHOOL, BUT BOTH
MY CHILDREN
WERE
SO IMPRESSED WITH THE SCHOOL AND ITS ATMOSPHERE, THAT THIS IS WHERE THEY WANTED TO COME. THEY HAVE BOTH FLOURISHED HERE AND WILL BE LOOKING TO STAY HERE FOR THEIR A -LEVELS.”
BOOK YOUR VISIT
Now you’ve read about our wonderful school, why not come and see it for yourself? If you’d like a tour of the school, you can book one by contacting our main reception:
T: 01380 724886
E:RECEPTION@DEVIZESWILTSSCHUK
We’d be delighted to show you around and discuss your child potentially joining us here at Devizes
